The Chicago Tribune recently published a shocking story about a man who was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for orchestrating a deadly fire that claimed the lives of seven people in Cicero in 2010. The former landlord, Lawrence Myers, was found guilty of murder after he ordered the fire set at an apartment building he owned, which resulted in the deaths of individuals ranging from a newborn baby to a 20-year-old.
Cook County Judge Carol Kipperman expressed her deep sorrow during the sentencing, stating that she would have imposed the death penalty if Illinois law still allowed it. “Everything about this trial was horrifying,†she said in Maywood. “His motive was purely financial. This case left me speechless.†Myers, who showed no emotion when the sentence was announced, had been convicted by a jury in November following a swift trial.
The tragic fire occurred on Valentine’s Day in 2010. Prosecutors revealed that Myers, then 64, wanted to burn down his property located on South 48th Court in the 3000 block to collect $250,000 in insurance money and move to West Virginia. He reportedly hired his maintenance worker, Marion “Andre†Comier, 51, to carry out the plan. Comier is currently awaiting trial on murder charges.
The fire, set with gasoline on a back porch, quickly spread through the four-flat building, trapping several tenants. Among the victims were Byron Reed, 20, Sallie Gist, 19, their young sons Rashon Reed, 3, and Brian Reed, just 3 days old. Also killed were Sallie Gist’s twin siblings, Elijah and Elisha Gist, both 16, and family friend Tiera Davidson, 18.
A jury reached a verdict in just 90 minutes, convicting Myers of seven counts of murder—one for each victim. According to prosecutors, the fire spread up the only staircase leading to the second floor, where many of the victims were asleep. They died due to carbon monoxide poisoning from smoke inhalation.
Two days after the fire, three witnesses came forward to Cicero police, claiming they overheard Myers and Comier discussing plans to burn down the building. This information played a key role in the investigation and ultimately led to the convictions.
This case has left the community in shock and serves as a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of greed and criminal intent.
Thanks Dan
Waste Acid Treatment Equipment
Waste Acid Treatment Equipment,Industrial Waste Acid Treatment System,Waste Acid Extraction
Xinbai Plating(jiangsu) Intelligent Technology Co.,Ltd , https://www.hotgalvanizing.com